ASTROS II

   The ASTROS II (Artillery SaTuration ROcket System) was developed by Avibras, which was developing multiple launch rocket systems since the early 1960s. The ASTROS II entered service with Brazilian Army in 1983. It also in service with Bahrain, Malaysia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It was built under license in Iraq as the Sajil-60.

   The ASTROS II has a modular design of launching containers. It can be fitted with four standard containers with rockets. The ASTROS II fires four types of rockets. The SS-30 127-mm rockets, SS-40 180-mm rockets, SS-60 300-mm rockets and SS-80 300-mm extended range rockets. Depending on the caliber a single container holds eight, four or one rocket. Maximum range of fire is 30, 35, 60 and 90 km consequently. All types of rockets are available with HE-FRAG warheads. The SS-40, SS-60 and SS-80 are also available with cluster warheads. Some sources claim that the ASTROS II also fires mine-dispensing and incendiary warheads.

   All launching procedures are made from the inside of the vehicle.

   Secondary armament consists of 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on top of the cab roof. It is also fitted with smoke grenade dischargers.

   The ASTROS II uses chassis of Mercedes-Benz 6x6 high mobility truck. Vehicle has a lightly armored cab, providing protection against small arms fire. It is powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM422 diesel engine, developing 280 horsepower.

   A battery usually consists of 6 - 8 launching vehicles, the same number of reloading vehicles and fire control vehicle.

   The ASTROS II is reloaded by reloading vehicle, fitted with a crane. Reloading vehicle also carries two sets of reloads.

   Currently Avibras is developing new ASTROS III multiple launch rocket system.